The Christmas Stalking (2 page)

“Is charm school part of the police academy curriculum?”

“I’ll tell you all about it when you have that hot chocolate with me.”

She pointed at the snowflakes falling. “Maybe later, Robby. I’ve got other errands to do and all this snow makes me nervous. I’m not used to driving in it.”

“No way. It’s either hot chocolate or that speeding ticket.” He pulled out his ticket book and arched his brows at her. “Take your choice.”

“You wouldn’t.”

He winked. “What’s it going to be?”

She sighed and held her hands up in surrender. “Fine. It’s not like I can’t grocery shop later. Lead the way.” She picked up a boot box, tucked it under her arm, and then slammed the trunk closed.

He took her elbow as they walked across the street. “Wouldn’t want you to fall.”

“And I thought southern men were the only ones with charm. Doesn’t it ever stop snowing here?”

He put his palm up. Little white flakes decorated it. “What, this stuff? It’s not snow; it’s barely a sprinkle. The weather guy is predicting a snow storm sometime next week. Just in time for Christmas.”

“Wonderful.” Hopefully, her stalker would be in jail by then, and she’d be back where the weather wasn’t so brutal.

He held open the diner’s door.

She was greeted with the scent of fresh-baked bread and bacon. After another deep whiff, her smile grew and her mouth watered. Her stomach rumbled. She’d skipped breakfast.

A grocery store was next on the list, since the cabin’s cupboards were empty.

Holly looked up at Robby. “I don’t think a cup of hot chocolate’s going to do it. I just realized I’m starving.”

“I could eat a bite myself.” Robby unsnapped his jacket. “They make the best breakfast in town. Of course, they make the only breakfast in town. But still the best.”

A waitress rushed over. After a smile and a curious glance at Holly, she tossed two menus on the table. “Hey, Chief. How’s it going?”

“Not bad, Renee. How’re things with you?”

She motioned at the filled tables. “Can’t complain. Coffee? And your regular?”

“Not today. Make it two hot chocolates, and I’ll wait for the lady to order.”

“Are you from around here?” Renee looked at Holly.

“Not really.”

“Mmm. You look familiar.”

“I can’t imagine why.” Holly cringed, hoping Renee wouldn’t recognize her.

“It’ll come to me. I never forget a face. Be back in a minute with the hot chocolates.” She turned away, but then turned back. “Marshmallows?

They both nodded.

As the waitress walked away, Holly made a mental note to avoid the diner. The last thing she needed was to be recognized. She glanced at Robby. “Chief, huh? You didn’t mention that last night.”

“It’s no big deal. We only have four full-time officers, including me, and a few part-timers.”

“Still that’s quite an accomplishment.”

“I’m happy with my life.”

She didn’t know anyone who was truly happy, including herself. There was always another album to make, more awards to win, bigger offers to find, and larger venues to fill. “That’s nice. Married? Kids?”

“Not yet. Still looking for the right woman to be mama to my children. How about you?”

“Married once. Big mistake.”

“That bad?”

“And some.” At least the man had deserted her in Nashville.

“Well, you must have bounced back from it, and from the shopping bags, I’d say you’re doing well for yourself.”

She leaned forward, her arms of the table. “Maybe. Or maybe I just maxed out my credit cards. You never know.”

Robby laughed. “I guess that’s true. What do you do for a living?”

“You don’t know who I am, do you?”

“Know—”

“Ready to order, yet?” Renee asked, placing steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of them.

Red, green, and white marshmallows swirled amidst the rich brown chocolate. Ho. Ho. Ho. Maybe it would taste better than it looked.

“I want a short order of pancakes with real maple syrup. And two sausage links.” She averted her face. She’d thought her new hair and no makeup would make her unrecognizable, but now she wasn’t so sure.

“Make mine a regular order of pancakes along with bacon and sausage, and add a couple of scrambled eggs and some toast.”

Renee’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure that’s enough for you? “ She turned to Holly and rolled her eyes. “Wish I could eat like that.”

Holly nodded with a smile.

“So, ready to tell me your secret yet, Renee?” Robby asked.

A smile played across the waitress’s face. She winked at Holly, and then looked back at Robby. “What secret?”

Robby looked over at Holly. “Renee’s our choir director at church, and rumor is she has a secret plot for the Christmas Eve service this year.”

“I’ll never tell.” She walked away, calling back over her shoulder, “Be a few minutes.”

Holly picked up her hot chocolate. “Mmm. Smells great.”

“And tastes delicious.” He blew on it, and then took a sip. “Best in town.”

Holly did the same. “You’re right. Yummy-licious.”

“So, what is it I don’t know?”

“Oh, nothing. It’s not important.”

“It sounded important.”

She slipped off her ruined shoes and reached into the shoe box. First, she put on the warm wooly ski socks. They felt like heaven on her frozen toes. “You asked what I did for a living. I figured you probably knew.”

“How would I know? I haven’t seen you in fifteen or twenty years.”

“Eighteen to be exact. I was twelve the last time I was here.” She tugged on the hiking boot.

“That long ago? Wow, time sure does fly. Why did you stop coming?”

“After my dad died, my mom had to work. And she didn’t like me being home all day by myself while she worked, so I’d come up here in the summers with my grandparents. When I turned thirteen, she said I was old enough to stay at home without a babysitter. And besides, Grandma and Grandpa were getting older by then.”

He nodded. “We had some fun, didn’t we? Do you remember the time you fell into the creek?”

“I did
not
fall into that creek, Robby Trenton. You pushed me. And you know it.”

His blue eyes twinkled as he laughed. “That’s not how I remember it. All I remember is rescuing you.”

She laughed, surprised how safe she felt sitting with Robby.

Renee walked over with a carafe and their food. “Need a refill on the hot chocolate?”

“Hit me,” Robby said, but Holly put a hand over her cup.

Rene stared at her for a moment, and then said, “Are you sure I don’t know you? You sure seem familiar.”

“I don’t think so. I spent summers here, but that was almost twenty years ago.”

“Then that’s not it. I’ve only been here for ten.” She shrugged. “I guess you must remind me of someone.”

Holly sure hoped not. “I must have one of those faces that everyone thinks they know.”

“I guess.” Renee walked away.

With an inward sigh of relief, Holly speared a bite of pancake and stirred it in the maple syrup before popping it in her mouth. Delicious.

They ate and talked about old times.

After the last bite was gone, Renee slapped the check on the table. “Clean plates mean happy customers. See you later.”

Not likely. This place made number one on Holly’s list of places to avoid. She couldn’t take the chance of Renee learning her identity. Holly reached in her purse for money, but Robby picked up the check.

“My treat. Especially since you helped the local economy by maxing out those credit cards of yours.”

She laughed. “I didn’t say I did. I said maybe I did. Thanks, Robby. I better get going.” She picked up her boot box and stood.

“The church is having their Christmas program tomorrow night. It’s always fun with all the kids acting their little hearts out. You might enjoy it. Want to come?”

She should say no. The point of coming here was to stay hidden, but she would go stir-crazy in that cabin. “Sure, why not?”

“It starts at seven. I’ll be out to get you at six thirty.”

She pulled on her stocking cap and gloves. “Sounds good. Back out into the frozen tundra. See you later.”

3

Robby opened the car door, and Holly stepped out in front of a little white chapel, its front door decorated with pine boughs and pretty, silk red and white poinsettias.

She stood staring at the church, not moving. This was the church she’d been baptized in on a hot summer day long ago. She’d not stepped inside a church for a long time—too long. Guilt wrapped around her heart.

“You OK?”

She nodded, not sure if her voice would work.

“Are you sure you’re feeling all right?” Robby held on to her arm as he led her up the steps.

Thankfully so, because Holly wasn’t quite sure she wanted to visit her past. She took a deep breath and nodded as they stepped inside.

Her step faltered. She could almost hear God saying, W
elcome back, My child
. A long time had passed since God spoke to her.

Once they were seated, Robby pulled out his mobile phone and frowned at the text message written there. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he whispered.

She was alone with her thoughts and her guilt—and with God. She stared at the old wooden cross at the front of the church. Her eyes filled with tears and she knew something was happening deep inside. She had a choice to listen to that still, quiet Voice.

Or ignore it.

****

The children’s voices lifted and held a note until the young woman standing at the front of the stage lowered her hand. A moment of silence, and then the applause started.

Holly clapped with the rest of the audience. Robby had been right. The program was the cutest thing Holly had ever seen.

As the kids exited the stage, she looked around the church for Robby. He’d missed the entire program. He’d never come back after he received that phone call. Hopefully there wasn’t a serious problem.

She stood, not sure what to do. Robby had brought her, how would she get back to the cabin? Did she wait for him? Meet him at the police station?

“Well, I see our ornery chief has deserted you.”

Holly whirled around.

Renee.

The one person in town she needed to avoid.

God certainly had a sense of humor.

“I guess that’s the price I pay for coming with the chief of police.”

Robby sauntered down the aisle towards them. “Are you saying bad things about me?”

“Everything OK?” Holly smiled.

“Fine. Only a fender bender. I’m back just in time.”

“Hardly. You missed most of the program. You’ve got to learn to turn off that phone of yours when you’re at church,” Renee admonished.

“Can’t do that. This town would fall apart without me. You know that.” He winked and added, “Not.”

“You said it, not me.” Renee laughed, and then glanced at Holly. “The kids did great, don’t you think?”

“Adorable. The cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

Renee held out her hand. “We didn’t have a proper introduction the other day. My name’s Renee.”

Suddenly uncomfortable, Holly wanted to run in the other direction. Instead, she shook the offered hand. “Holly Stone.”

“I still think you look familiar.” Renee shrugged. “Oh, well. It will come to me. So, are you moving to town, Holly? ’Cause if you are, the church choir could always use another member. Do you sing?”

“Renee’s always trying to recruit new singers.”

Singing was not a topic she wanted to discuss. “I’m only here for a few days. Sorry.”

“Well, if you’re here, make sure you come for the Christmas Eve service. This year’s going to be extra special.”

“Do tell, Renee,” Robby teased. “I keep hearing that, but nobody’s sharing the details.”

“You’re the detective. Find out for yourself.” Renee laughed and gave a small wave before walking away. “Nice to meet you, Holly.”

“She’s a character,” Robby said. “You ready to go home? Or can we go for something to eat, or a cup of coffee?”

“I think I’ll pass. It’s been a long day.” She needed to be alone. Her thoughts were a jumble. Being in God’s presence made her mind go where it hadn’t been in a long while. Time to make some changes in her life.

She was tired of being alone all the time. Her most meaningful relationship was with her manager. How sad was that?

God had reminded her tonight life was about more than that next hit song.

When they reached the cabin, she turned to Robby. “Thanks for tonight. The program was adorable. I’m sorry you missed most of it.”

“It happens, but they video it. I’ll still get to see it, anyway.”

“I really appreciate you taking me there tonight. It’s been years since I’ve been to church.” She put a hand on his arm. “It meant a lot—more than you know.”

“Why haven’t you been to church? Don’t you believe in God?”

She looked at him sharply. God was not a subject discussed very often in the music world. “Well, of course I believe in Him.”

“Then why don’t you go to church?”

His blue eyes searched her soul.

“It’s complicated, but when you put it that way, I’m not sure why.” Another uncomfortable topic. “I guess life got busy and after a while I stopped thinking about it.”

“There’s no such thing as being too busy for God.” He reached for his door handle.

“You’re absolutely right. And I realized it tonight. Being in church felt good—almost like being wrapped in a warm blanket.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without my church family.” He smiled. “Ready to go inside?”

“I can get into the cabin alone.”

“I know you can.” He walked around to her side. He opened the door and offered a hand to help her out. “But my mother raised a gentleman.”

“So I see.” She took the offered hand and stepped out.

They walked towards the cabin hand in hand.

Her feet slowed as she looked upward. “Wow. Look at those stars. They are beautiful.”

“Yes they are, but not as beautiful as the star in front of me.” He leaned close to her, and she smelled a hint of something odd—unpleasant. Something she couldn’t quite identify. Not aftershave, more like paint or paint thinner.